Good Employment Week is an annual initiative organised by the Greater Manchester Good Employment Charter. Its aim is to raise awareness of fair and ethical work practices across Manchester.
Corporation Pop’s Managing and Creative Director, Dan Taylor, reflects on the importance of its message and the innovative game we created to support Good Employment Week.
Tell us how Corporation Pop got involved in developing The Game of Work for Good Employment Week
As a well-established design agency in Manchester, we have a strong track record of delivering creative solutions across the entertainment, health, and education sectors. Our reputation within the local community helped us land the opportunity to pitch for the Good Employment Charter’s project. The idea of reaching people during their daily commute, sparking conversations about what good employment should look like, immediately resonated with us. It was exactly the kind of meaningful, impactful project we love to be part of.
Good employment
How did the project make you think about good employment in the context of Corporation Pop?
Creating an environment where everyone feels respected, valued, and safe to be themselves has been part of Corporation Pop’s ethos since we began in the early ‘90s. The Game of Work project allowed us to reflect on our own practices, ensuring our employees remain at the heart of what we do. After all, they are our greatest asset, and this game reaffirmed the importance of keeping them front and centre in all aspects of our business.
Gamification
How does the game help raise awareness about fair work?
Fair employment is a complex issue, but gamification offers a unique way to simplify and engage. Through the game, players can reflect on their own work experiences while also getting a glimpse into the highs and lows that others might face. It’s not just entertainment — it’s a conversation starter, nudging people (players) to think critically about the importance of fair and respectful work environments.
What features of the game are you most proud of?
We’re particularly proud of how engaging the game is while conveying such an important message. The game is designed to be quick and fun — you can play it during a short commute from Manchester’s suburbs, but still walk away thinking about what good employment means.
On a personal note, I love the retro 8-bit visual style inspired by Snakes and Ladders. It’s instantly familiar, so players don’t need to waste time learning the rules. Everyone’s played Snakes and Ladders, right?
Why should people across Greater Manchester play this game?
Work consumes a huge part of our lives, so it’s critical that workplaces are, at the very least, fair and safe. The game offers a fun way to reflect on that — if someone plays it on a whim and then starts questioning their own working conditions, we’ve achieved our goal.
Good Employment Week 2024
How was Good Employment Week?
Good Employment Week was fantastic. It’s so important to have a dedicated moment in the calendar to spotlight what good employment looks like. Our hope is that this campaign not only raises awareness but drives real change for those who feel their workplaces aren’t up to scratch. Good Employment Week is key to making that happen.
Connect with your audience
Gamification is a powerful way to turn complex, often overlooked topics into something engaging and thought-provoking. If you’re looking for an innovative solution to connect with your audience, let’s talk.
Let's explore how we can make your message stick.